As a nurse, especially as a new nurse, there’s a certain level of nerves that come before working a shift. But sometimes this feeling of anxiety is so overwhelming it’s almost debilitating. This feeling is referred to as pre-shift anxiety and there are actual ways to handle this feeling! Let’s dive in and tackle pre-shift anxiety head on.
Defining Pre-Shift Anxiety
Pre-shift anxiety is the feelings of worry and fear that builds up before your next shift. This anxiety can become so great that at times it feels debilitating and can lead to call offs and nurse burnout. Whether you’re a new grad nurse or a seasoned nurse, pre-shift anxiety is a real thing everyone deals with at some point in their career. So, how do you deal with it?
Acknowledge the Feeling
First off, it is important to remember that this is something that most all nurses deal with at some point in their career so find comfort in knowing that you’re not alone. Secondly, knowing what is causing your anxiety can also add some comfort to the feeling of being out of control. So acknowledging this feeling and accepting it for what it is, is step one in handling pre-shift anxiety.
Be Mindful
On top of being aware that this feeling is pretty common in the healthcare world, be mindful of what you do, your training that got you to this point, and how far you’ve come. You’re doing what you worked so hard to do and there’s a reason why you chose this profession right? So remind yourself of this. Schedule in time before your shift to reflect and be mindful. Practice deep breathing and meditation and give yourself grace.
Find Comfort in Routine
Having a set routine can help prevent some of this pre-shift anxiety so find what works for you and stick to it. If you like listening to music or a good podcast on your way to work, stick to it! If you find comfort in reading, having a self-care routine, or drinking tea before or after your shift, then go for it! Find a way to work whatever makes you happy into your pre and post-shift routine.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise really seems to be the key to any type of physical and mental wellness routine but there’s a reason for that! Working out has been proven time and time again to reduce stress so whether that be an intense cycling session or a more calming meditation or yoga class, just get your body moving.
Find Community
Finding community both through work and outside of work will also help manage and prevent pre-shift anxiety. Having a support system that you can depend on makes such a difference. Whether that be in a small group through church or a gardening club at your local civic center, having a support group outside of work helps remind you that while nursing may be a big part of your life, it’s not all of who you are. Having said that, finding support at work is also extremely helpful. As nurses we see and handle traumatic events every day and people who don’t work in the healthcare setting might not be able to understand this. So find a support group at work, whether that be an old preceptor or another nurse that was hired at the same time as you or even an actual nursing support group that meets at work after your shift. There is great benefit in finding a community to lift you up in the hard times.
Know That You’re a Good Nurse
At the end of the day, know that you’re a good nurse. You wouldn’t be stressing if you didn’t care, and caring is one of the key components to being a good nurse. So acknowledge the feeling, be mindful, find comfort in your routine, exercise regularly, and find a good community to lean on. After all, you are a good nurse!
How do you manage pre-shift anxiety? Comment below!
Are you a nursing student? Visit Managing and Preventing Student Stress for more info!
Plus be sure to visit the following:
- How to Organize Your 12-Hour Nursing Shift
- Start of Shift Plan for New Nurses
- How to do a Quick yet Effective Head-to-Toe Assessment
- What to Expect Out of Nursing: Expectations Versus Reality
- Essentials of a Good Bedside Handoff Report
- What Do Night Shift Nurses Do? An Hourly Survival Guide
- Imposter Syndrome as a New Nurse
- What to Expect in the First Year as a New Grad Nurse